MANILA--A Malacanang official on Tuesday said President Benigno S. Aquino III is not convening the National Security Council (NSC) despite the developments in the West Philippine Sea.
”At this time, the President does not see any need really to convene the NSC,” Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a briefing Tuesday.
Valte explained that the Aquino government has its security cluster, which the President talks with along with invited officials from relevant agencies.
She stressed that “it is not uncommon for him (Aquino) to reach out to other experts or other persons, but not within the context of an NSC meeting.”
“If you also notice the President likes to work in small groups because he believes that this particular method is more effective,” she said.
”And it is also in this venue wherein the security cluster and other members of the Cabinet discuss matters relative to the West Philippine Sea issue,” she stressed.
The NSC is a collegial body chaired by the President and includes members of the Cabinet and Congress as well as other government officials and private individuals invited by the President.
It has never been convened under the Aquino administration.
And even with the recent water canon incident against Filipino fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea by suspected Chinese patrolmen, Valte said the President continues to take the diplomatic tracks on the country’s issues with China.
Manila Bulletin
